{"product_id":"river-snail-filopaludina-martens","title":"River Snail (Filopaludina martens)","description":"\u003cdiv aria-label=\"Sent by Copilot: The **Vittina natalensis**, commonly known as the Zebra Nerite Snail, is a popular freshwater snail in the aquarium hobby. Here are some key details about this species:\n\n- **Appearance**: These snails are known for their striking, zebra-like patterns on their shells, which can vary from stripes to spots[^1^][^2^].\n- **Size**: They typically grow to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter[^2^].\n- **Habitat**: Native to the coastal plains of East Africa, including Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania[^1^].\n- **Tank Requirements**: They thrive in freshwater aquariums with a temperature range of 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F) and a pH of 6.5 to 8.5[^2^]. They require a soft, sandy substrate to protect their shells and plenty of hiding spots like rocks or driftwood[^2^].\n- **Diet**: Known for their algae-eating abilities, they help keep the aquarium clean by consuming algae from glass, decorations, and plants[^2^]. They can also be fed blanched vegetables and algae wafers if natural algae is insufficient[^2^].\n- **Behavior**: Peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive tank mates like small fish and other snails[^2^].\n- **Reproduction**: While they lay eggs in freshwater, the larvae require brackish water to develop, so they do not overpopulate in freshwater tanks[^2^].\n\nHere are some images of the Zebra Nerite Snail:\n\n1. ![Zebra Nerite Snail](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/4e\/Vittina_natalensis.jpg) - A close-up of the distinctive shell pattern[^1^].\n2. ![Zebra Nerite Snail](https:\/\/aquadiction.world\/species-spotlight\/zebra-nerite-snail\/) - Another view of this attractive snail[^2^].\n\nThese snails are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.\n\nAre you considering adding some Zebra Nerite Snails to your tank? Let me know if you need any more information or tips on setting up their habitat!\n\n[^1^]: [Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vittina_natalensis)\n[^2^]: [Aquadiction](https:\/\/aquadiction.world\/species-spotlight\/zebra-nerite-snail\/)\" aria-description=\"\" class=\"content user-select-text\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"entity-image-top\" class=\"ac-container ac-adaptiveCard has-image\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ac-horizontal-separator\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/strong\u003e is a large, peaceful freshwater snail highly valued both in the wild and in the aquarium hobby for its striking shell, gentle behavior, and useful scavenging role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy \u0026amp; Identification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKingdom:\u003c\/strong\u003e Animalia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhylum:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mollusca\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gastropoda\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viviparidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenus:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFilopaludina\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/em\u003e (Frauenfeld, 1864)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a \u003cstrong\u003egill‑breathing, operculate snail\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning it has a hard “trapdoor” (operculum) that seals the shell when the animal retracts for protection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Distribution \u0026amp; Habitat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/em\u003e is \u003cstrong\u003enative to Southeast Asia\u003c\/strong\u003e, occurring in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThailand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCambodia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVietnam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMalaysia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilippines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, it inhabits \u003cstrong\u003eslow‑moving or still freshwater systems\u003c\/strong\u003e such as canals, ponds, rice paddies, swamps, and ditches, usually over muddy or sandy substrates. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShell shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ovate‑conical, thick, and sturdy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhorls:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–7 rounded whorls; last whorl swollen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShell color:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWild forms: greenish‑brown to dark brown\/black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquarium “white” forms: creamy white to ivory with a darker apex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApex:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sharp, often violet‑black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight up to \u003cstrong\u003e55 mm (≈ 2.2 in)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth up to \u003cstrong\u003e31 mm (≈ 1.2 in)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe operculum is horn‑colored with a subtle golden sheen and concentric growth lines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Ecology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very peaceful and shy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mostly nocturnal, though acclimated individuals may forage during the day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFilter‑feeds using gills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrazes on biofilm, detritus, and microorganisms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many snail species, it is \u003cstrong\u003elive‑bearing (viviparous)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Females carry developing young internally and give birth to fully formed juveniles, usually at night. Brood size ranges from \u003cstrong\u003e0–14 young per female\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 gal (≈ 40 L) recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine sand or smooth gravel (important to prevent foot damage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Driftwood, rocks, live plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate (encourages biofilm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.5 (neutral to alkaline)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to hard (important for shell health)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water quality is critical; sudden changes can cause long periods of inactivity or shell deterioration. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/em\u003e is an \u003cstrong\u003eomnivorous scavenger\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a heavy algae eater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended foods:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiofilm and decaying plant matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium supplementation (cuttlebone, mineral blocks) is advised to prevent shell erosion. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafe with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther non‑aggressive snails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnail‑eating cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuffers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey do \u003cstrong\u003enot damage live plants\u003c\/strong\u003e and reproduce slowly, so overpopulation is rarely an issue. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mister Aqua Thailand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53334473441598,"sku":"67364411041598","price":14.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/5104\/3390\/files\/placeholder_13f150c3-8ea4-4798-91dd-f6dde489d027.png?v=1778777547","url":"https:\/\/yourlocalfishstore.com\/products\/river-snail-filopaludina-martens","provider":"Your Local Fish Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}